The Good Shepherd Life, The Rev Fred Kinsey“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” says Jesus in our gospel. And, in 1st John, “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” Philip Larkin, in his remarkably unsentimental poem “An Arundel Tomb,” writes, “What will survive of us is love.”Sometimes when we think of the Good Shepherd, we think of Sallman’s pastoral, and Hollywood pasteurized image, from the 1940’s, a beautiful Mensch of a guy standing with a staff in his right hand, and a lamb in his left, surrounded by his flock, as they stroll through green pastures, by a babbling brook. And we can feel Jesus’ love for us, all warm and tender. Now fast-forward to 1967, the Summer of Love! I was just 11 years old, and excited to be going into 6th grade, where I would be top dog at Washington Grade School, ready to enjoy such privilege. So, I missed putting flowers in my hair and moving to San Francisco. And I didn’t become a hippie, or know what free-love meant, but still, I could feel the change in the air all around me, and I knew I really loved my bell-bottomed pants, which, if my mom would have let me, I would have worn to school every day! And, now that we’re on the subject, let me just put in a plug for the Unity Players and their upcoming production called, America Hurrah, which is all about social change in the late 60’s. Because, whatever you think of those times, I think we can all agree that our families, our church, and our communities have been shaped and affected by the 60’s, and, theatre can bring us together, and put a light on that, for everyone. But here, in this Easter season in the 21st century, I’m wondering, what is it, that our crucified and risen savior, and the gospel message, can tell us about social change? What kind of love is Jesus talking about? And is the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd still relevant for us today? First off, Jesus offers himself up as the Good Shepherd in this 10th chapter of John, within a very specific context – that is, as a response to the man born blind that Jesus just healed and restored his sight to, in chapter 9. Jesus had found him and was welcoming him into his sheep-fold, because the Jerusalem leaders had decided to throw him out of their community. So, the Good Shepherd, welcomes the one who is put-out, the ousted one – in this case, put-out for believing in a healer who heals without charge, who heals outside of the corrupt and exploitative Herodian system, referred to by Jesus as, the hired hands, who run away from controversy. When the going gets tough, a Good Shepherd, steps up, and offers himself, and his very life. He doesn’t run away to the wilderness, or drop-out into the counter-culture! So this Good Shepherd, Jesus, does not fulfill the quiet pastoral image I grew up with, but on the contrary, wades right into the controversy of his community, to lead from where true authority resides. Jesus is the good shepherd because he is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. And it will not be in vain, because his authority to heal, and to teach and preach, comes from the Father, who knows him, and is further confirmed by the sheep, who know his voice. The sheep do not follow a shepherd whose voice they don’t recognize. And Jesus even has “other sheep,” not yet belonging to his flock, who will listen to his voice and follow him – and who won’t trust the hired hand. So Jesus, together with the Father, will be the reconciling presence that will unite the flock: old and new, Jew and Gentile, male and female, straight and gay, cistern and transgender, black, brown and white – it is God’s peace and justice, that unite us, and makes us one flock, even in the midst of our enemies, and their manufactured controversy. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, doesn’t go to San Francisco and start a love-in; he does not tune-in, turn-on, and drop-out – I think he may, have a few followers who wear flowers in their hair! – but, his love is deeper and stronger, and is not afraid of controversy with the political, religious and social powers of his day, because, he is the way, and the truth, and life, the bringer of the kingdom of God on earth. “I will lay my life down of my own accord,” Jesus tells them. “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Interestingly enough, after his preaching on the Good Shepherd in chapter 10, the authorities are so enraged with him, that they try to stone Jesus. But he doesn’t let it happen, “he escapes from their hands.” He will lay down his life only when he is ready, and the time is right.By the time the summer of ’74 rolled around, I was anxiously preparing for college. The 60’s had turned into, on the one hand, a less than ideal goulash of progressive ideas, constantly being reheated and stirred up, but a meal that no one seemed to want to sit down to, and, on the other hand, a reactionary movement of the silent majority hoping to stave off the change that would expose their privilege. For my part, in ’74, I chose a Lutheran school, Carthage College, in the hope that even better than my church back home, this would be the place, and time, I would discover the community of Christ I had been looking for – a place that understood the love of a Shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for the world, who understood that we, as a people of faith, have a duty, and in this moment, an opportunity, to take up the work of Martin Luther King, Jr., for example, and to be the change that we wanted to be. Boy, was I naïve! Carthage was pretty much just like any other college or state university everywhere else, across the country. “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Love, is our legacy, as a Christian people. Or, as the poet Philip Larkin said, “what will survive of us is love.” Or as Paul said, “now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Love cannot survive in books, alone. Love does not grow in individuals or shining stars, unto themselves. Love lives in truth and action, in the people who have received, and who live by, the Spirit of God. So, love needs a community, a host that is bigger than Self, that is open to the living God, and a community that is willing to take risks to include those who once were blind, but now they see, willing to risk including those who have been rejected or ousted, by the powerful and privileged. Maybe even willing to risk their lives, as so many Christians are, even today, under violent persecution and chaos, in the Middle East. A loving community, of course, is a tuff thing to build and sustain. It takes commitment, for one, or else it tends to fade like the flowers, of the Summer of Love. Ideally, it happens in churches, enlivened by the gospel message, and filled with the spirit of joy and justice for all. Sometimes it shows up in unexpected communities of two or three; in institutions who have been struck by the power of God, and guided by a Good Shepherd. You know, Jesus didn’t just pick the image of Shepherd out of nowhere. Moses, as a young man, became a shepherd, after he helped his father-in-law Jethro’s daughter Zipporah, and her sisters, from attack by false, hired-hand, shepherds. Over and over, Moses was called to be a good shepherd, whose anger at injustice kept putting him in leadership positions, to lead his people out of danger into freedom. King David was a mighty Shepherd-General and military leader, who led the chosen people to their zenith of their kingdom, but also showed the cracks of corruption, and the expanse of his kingdom would never be repeated, the temple never rebuilt. Jesus, followed in the footsteps of Moses and David, but also reshaped the office of Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is one who is mighty in love, a love beyond the power of the grave, a gift that he gave to the world to win it over, so that WE can now lift one another up, and win non-violently, even when, and precisely because, we wade fearlessly into controversy, through sometimes difficult sacrifices – and whenever, in community, we accept the Spirit of God! So, “have no fear little flock” – for what will survive us as followers of Jesus, if we do, is love. Love, in truth and in action!

Peace Be With You, Pastor KinseyOn Wednesday, thousands of people mourned the death of Khanania Dinkha IV, the world leader of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East – they were attending the funeral of the beloved 79 year old Patriarch, and all dressed in black. All that is, except the pall bearers, who were dressed in white robes, as they carried his casket, shoulder high, out of the church in procession. And as they descended down the steps of the church outside and continued down the street, a choir sang the favorite Assyrian hymn to their Patriarch, “Stay in Peace.” The Assyrian Church of the East is the same church that grew up in India which was founded by the Apostle Thomas, and is the oldest Christian Church in India. Thomas is believed to have arrived in India in the year 52CE, and was successful in gaining upper-caste Hindu’s as believers and members of his church. In the 4th century, with the controversy over Nestorianism – the belief that there are two persons in Christ and not just two natures, this would eventually lead to a break between the eastern and western churches, even though the Assyrian Church of the East affirmed the western creeds. Perhaps this controversy, even so many centuries ago, and the fact that these Christian brothers and sisters come from Iraq, Iran and Syria, explains why most of us probably don’t know that the funeral service held for Khanania Dinkha IV, was only a couple miles from here, in Rogers Park, at the St George Church of Rogers Park – on Touhy and Ashland! A bit of a surprise, isn’t it – and much like someone else we know, who showed up in a surprising way to the Disciples in the upper room! “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."” Such a strange greeting, from the one they had all but given up on. They must have been surprised, shocked even, at his sudden appearance! A strange greeting, because they were the ones who had betrayed Jesus to the authorities, which got him arrested only three days before – when, in the garden across the Kidron valley, where they used to meet regularly, Judas escorted a whole detachment of Roman soldiers and police from the Temple, who easily cuffed Jesus and arrested him, and the disciples did nothing – except Peter, who managed to tail the authorities without being detected, until in the courtyard of the High Priest, everyone seemed to recognize him, as one of his disciples, even though Peter repeatedly denied it. On the cross, a very public form of death and humiliation, meant to deter crimes against the state, Jesus was mostly alone. Even Peter did not bear witness. It was mostly the women followers who kept vigil, and the so-called beloved disciple, possibly John, who were there. Mary Magdalene, the first to witness the risen Jesus in this gospel account, also went and announced it to these disciples, who were hidden away in fear. They were afraid of the authorities and what they might do to them, if like Peter in the courtyard, they might be identified, and linked to Jesus, who was executed as an enemy of the state. That was a real concern, which was understandable. But it also showed their state of mind, and that they had not yet taken seriously Mary’s announcement that she had seen the risen Lord, and he was about to ascend to his Father and their father, to his God and their God!Do you think the Disciples even expect Jesus, the risen Lord, to appear, all locked away that night? What do they think he might have said to them, if they saw him? Would they have not expected a good talking to? A dressing-down for their behavior in the garden, the courtyard, and at the cross? How could they face him? What could possibly come from such failure, at this point? To them, the reality of the law, symbolized in the cruel and absoluteness of the cross, and the unforgiving power of the authorities, seemed most immediate, and sent a chill up their spines. In a word –fear! What could a risen Christ do for them? What did that even look like?“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said – where were you guys?! Couldn‘t you have stood up for the truth, for me?! They might have expected him to say something like that, but no, he said, "Peace be with you"?” Shalom! Salam! Receive the Holy Spirit! This is more than just a friendly greeting, this is a miraculous gift, that had the power to flip a switch in the minds of the disciples. Expecting punishment, they received forgiveness, combined with the responsibility for a mission (as the father has sent me, so I send you.) Deserving recompense, for their betrayal and abandonment, instead they received grace upon grace. By his presence and forgiving words, Jesus brought home the message of his entire ministry to his disciples, for the first time after the cross and resurrection – a loving demonstration of what was now possible for the whole world. Jesus breaks the endless cycle of retribution, of a tooth for a tooth, and the sacred violence of accepting a convenient scapegoat, because on the cross the innocence of Jesus unveils that lie which comes from the Ruler of this world, and he exposes it’s demonic nature, putting into play the gift of loving forgiveness, that alone is able to transform hearts and minds, without violence, and usher in the promise of the kingdom of God among us. A world that is fearless!The Peace of Christ reconciles us to this loving grace of God – so that now, just as the Father has sent Jesus, so Jesus the Christ sends us! Thomas, was away that first Easter evening, when Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples, and he insisted on seeing Jesus too, before he believed. It doesn’t say where Thomas went to – personally, I think he was out on a Falafel run! But whatever, when he hears he missed Jesus, he goes into his one-up-man-ship mode, and he insists on not only seeing, but touching his wounded hands and side. And exactly one week later, Jesus appears again, though the doors were still shut, and he repeats his post-Easter gift: “Peace be with you,” and Jesus immediately invites Thomas to check out the nail holes, and reach into his side where the spear lanced him. But, Jesus had Thomas at, “Peace” and Thomas is electric with adoration and praise: “My Lord and my God,” he says! Later, when Thomas set out on his evangelistic ministry, he went the opposite direction of St Paul, riding the trade winds from the Mediterranean through the Red Sea, to the Arabian Sea, and landed in southern India, where he took the Peace of Christ with him. This gift of Peace was beginning to transform the world, the story of the incarnated truth of the crucified and risen Jesus, establishing a new covenant, a new relationship between God and the whole world. Peace that is built on forgiveness, and the realization that we all fall short of the glory of God, and are in need of this forgiveness too, not just as a matter of politeness, but as a weapon of reconciliation, that is stronger, and more humane, than the old hierarchical powers of this world. A peace we can believe in, because it brings justice for all. This gift always comes as a surprise, when we encounter it, and that is its transforming power. I believe this Peace of Christ, Jesus gave to Thomas, the same Peace that we share, is also connected to the surprise of a Patriarch in exile, who was located right here in Chicago, the head of Thomas’ Church in India – and that it’s no coincidence that their favorite funeral hymn that his followers sang to Khanania Dinkha IV in the streets of Rodgers Park, was, “Stay in Peace.” Peace be with you!

Mary, Mary and Solome, Pastor KinseyIt was, Mary – and Mary – and Salome who went to the tomb. And that’s all I need, I think, to prove, that the resurrection is real! Why? Because if someone tried to make this thing up, I’m sure they would have used different names for each of the three women, right?! I mean, two Mary’s? If Mark were creating this himself, surely he would have chosen 3 distinctly named characters. Surely he would have traded one of the Mary’s for, a Rachel, or an Elizabeth, or a Naomi? Mary Magdalene – named first – is definitely a keeper! Even to our modern imagination, she’s a character we still wonder about, and, many have speculated about her relationship with Jesus. And Salome is a great choice too! Who doesn’t know of the Salome who danced for King Herod, which led to the beheading of John the Baptist, and who fills centuries of works of art, in a myriad of poses?! This isn’t the same Salome, of course. But why not have a Salome, who was a follower of Jesus, a caring twin, there at the cross and resurrection? I vote we keep her in, too! But, Mary the mother of James? Who was she? No one is quite sure. Jesus has a brother James, but most don’t think this Mary was meant to be her. Mark would have just said, if it was, Mary mother of our Lord! Mary the mother of James is also mentioned earlier, at the death of Jesus, where she is called, “Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses…” Obviously, it’s somebody known to the early church, those first readers of Mark, though lost to us now. Mary, Mary, Mary. It’s a popular Jewish name, too, so I suppose you could argue that, even a made-up story, could have two Mary’s. So I guess, it’s still up to you, whether you want to believe in the historicity of the resurrection story, or not. Let’s assume you do, or at least, you’re agnostically curious enough to consider at least one more plot device in the story. E.g., if the reason the women went to the tomb, was to anoint Jesus’ body, and indeed, this was a traditional task of burial, done by family, or in this case, by friends, were they going, with the purpose of anointing his body for burial now that the Sabbath was over? Or, were their plans to go and anoint their risen king? Who was Jesus to them, at this point, early on the first day of the week, the first Easter morning? Mary, Mary and Salome, had only one worry on their minds that early morning, according to Mark, how in the world were they going to roll away that big stone over the entrance? But, as you know, that becomes the least of their worries. Instead, when they arrive, the stone has already been moved, and there inside, the body of Jesus was not to be found, the tomb is empty, except for a very polite young man, full of mysterious glad tidings. Greater than the stone, we are now confronted with a much larger problem. And here, of course, is where historicity and faith begin to blur lines, and fracture our interpretation, a thousand different ways. What do you think the women expected? Were they inclined toward resurrection – or perhaps foul play, like grave robbers?But what strikes me, here, is this messenger – that’s what angelic apparitions in the ancient world, like this one were, messengers from God – and so, as I read the story again, what strikes me is that he delivers the news like a Receptionist at the most posh corporate headquarters downtown, sitting behind a high pristine desk: “Sorry,’ says the young man, dressed in a white robe, who clearly had expected them, “you just missed Jesus; he had to step out; there was a very sudden turn of events, but I assure you, he still considers your appointment important. If you want to catch up with him, he left this forwarding address for you – looking at his sticky note – Galilee! Umh, I’ll see you there! Just as I told you! He had very pressing business there,” the Angelic young Receptionist says.Mary, Mary and Salome are speechless, fleeing the tomb for the elevator, “for terror and amazement, had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”Sort of an unsettling ending, to this otherwise spectacular Gospel! We don’t actually get to see the risen Jesus in Mark’s writing of events. Just an empty tomb, and that Receptionist, whose word we are free to interpret: he has been raised. We are perhaps – like Mary, Mary and Salome – left wondering what to believe! When tragedy suddenly interrupts, when things don’t turn out as we expect, when our normal expectations are reversed – how do we react? Isn’t doubt and terror normal? How do you feel, for example, when you experience the brokenness of the world, which can’t be fixed? Doubt itself –planted by the Ruler of this world– will get us stuck here, at this point in the story. It wouldn’t take much to follow this story thread of the fleeing women who tell no one what they have seen and heard, to reach the conclusion that this is the end – there’s nothing more. We too, might find comfort, in fleeing, and going home, if we’re honest with ourselves, without confronting the deeper and more troubling realities we live with, each and every day. Like, looking for work in an economy that is still limping along for most of us, and most new jobs in minimum wage positions, often with no benefits, far from what is needed to meet the basics of living life in America; schools, that are no longer supporting everyone equally; social security, pensions and Medicare under siege and retirees taking part time jobs to make ends meet; violence, especially against women and people of color here at home, and trillions of dollars spent on meddling wars overseas that have increased the levels of violence there; and, our elected leaders, polarized and unable to pass needed legislation for our communities, except that which their campaign contributors kindly write, making sure to benefit themselves. There is plenty to make us mad, and tempt us to give up hope, to pit us one against the other, in our world today. Jesus knew about this temptation of those worldly powers too. The burden of his journey, and his cross, were not light or easy. So, what do you think? Did the women at the end of Mark’s resurrection story continue to stay silent? Or, did they tell the other disciples at some point? Do they even remember the message of the angelic young receptionist – I’m sorry, Jesus had to step out, but – he still plans to meet with you!? Jesus has pressing business, back in his home neighborhood, and there is no time to waste! The resurrection is exactly the troubling, challenging puzzle, that the women portray to us, fleeing the tomb, when both “terror, and, amazement” seized them! Christ is risen – is terrifying. Christ is risen – is amazing! There is a reality in Mark’s gospel that sticks with us even today – this invitation to go back to Galilee, back to the place where Jesus started; where Jesus gathered his first disciples; where it all started – which is an invitation to read the story over again. Because now, we will begin to understand all the better! We will see it with different eyes! We go back to the beginning, not because it’s some nostalgic, going back-home tour. But because only after the resurrection, do we begin to understand more clearly, the identity and mission of Jesus. The risen one, is the crucified one. The prophet, is the king. The Son of God, is the healer and liberator of the outcast and poor. Jesus turns this world of injustice we live in, upside down, in a grand forgiveness, opening up the possibility of reconciliation, justice and peace. Mark’s gospel is an invitation to engage, to get involved in the mission of Jesus because we believe in the identity of Jesus as the Christ. The reality of the risen one appears in, and through us, when we follow Jesus back to Galilee. It re-focuses us, beyond doubt and death, to live life, and to reap the beautiful reward of loving one another, as he loved us. Our focus then, is not on hate or division, on jealousy or violence. But especially, by the gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we find meaning in the way we live fully for others, helping to create a world of love, justice and equal opportunity for all of God’s people. I admire Mary, and Mary and Salome, and I don’t fault them for feeling both terror, and amazement. God needs people with both doubt and faith, who can honestly evaluate themselves and the world, and fight harder for the coming realm of God here among us. I believe, Mary, and Mary and Salome, were transformed into followers when they went back in Galilee – I believe, and therefore I follow.For, Christ is risen,